Thanksgiving is coming up fast, and it’s time to finalize that game plan. We’re told that the food on this year’s Thanksgiving table will be a little pricier this year, due to distribution lines, increased transportation expenses, labor shortages, and more. So, stock up on that canned pumpkin, get your act together, and start reserving the foods that you need to outsource from some of our best local restaurants. Here’s where to order your Thanksgiving side dishes and meals around Chicago and the suburbs.
Andros Taverna
2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Pastry Chef Hsing Chen is offering her gorgeous, Greek-inspired pies for Thanksgiving. Choose from Apple Pie Galaktoboureko, Pumpkin Phyllo Pie, or Traditional Baklava Pie and treat yourself and your family to something special.
$40 each, serves 8-10 people. Place order by noon Tuesday, November 23 for pickup on Wednesday, November 24.
Bar Roma
5101 N. Clark St., Chicago
This Andersonville Italian favorite is offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner-to-go this year, a family-style meal offered in multiples of two. Enjoy chef Fred Ramos’ Cider-Brined Roasted and Sliced Turkey Breast with Sage Gravy and Cranberry-Pear Chutney, Pretzel Rolls with Honey-Mustard Butter, Whipped Garlic Potatoes, Classic Green Bean Casserole, Cornbread Stuffing, and Bourbon Pecan Pie with Maple Whipped Cream. Vegetarians can sub in a Mushroom Bolognese Lasagna for turkey.
$85 for 2 people. Place order by November 18 for pickup Wednesday, November 24 from 2 – 5 pm.
Big Jones
5347 N Clark St, Chicago
Chef Paul Fehribach of Andersonville’s Big Jones originally planned to go back to his annual in-restaurant Thanksgiving Dinner but plans changed. “After discussing it with my partner and management team, we decided to go carry out,” says Fehribach. “I love being able to do this for hundreds of people.” This year’s menu ($150/for 2, $260/for 4) is a killer, too. You’ll start with his Battery Punch, made with Cognac, gin, black tea, and citrus and highly quaffable. Appetizers include Horseradish Beer Cheese, country ham, house-made relishes and buttermilk rolls, along with Cauliflower Bisque and a Frisée Salad with Apples, Celery, Almonds, and Capriole Goat Cheese. You’ll have your choice of entrées — Deep-Fried Turkey Cajun Style with Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, and Onion-Apple-Sage Stuffing, or a Vegetarian Tamale Bombe filled with acorn squash, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, and dried cherries. Skillet-Charred Brussels Sprouts and Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the shared sides, and the meal wraps up with Pumpkin Pie and White Chocolate-Dipped Bourbon Balls. Tell me that doesn’t make your mouth water!
Bub City
435 N. Clark St., Chicago; Parkway Bank Park, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont
Get that down-home feeling! This River North BBQ joint is offering Thanksgiving packages for 2, 4, and 8 people. It will include Hickory Smoked Green Circle Turkey, Autumn Salad, Roasted Garlic and Sage Stuffing, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, and Cranberry-Orange Sauce. Order extra sides and whole pies ($45.95) a la carte. A second location in Rosemont is offering the same package for the Western ‘burbs.
$95 for 2, $190 for 4, and $380 for 8. Place order by Saturday November 20 for pickup Wednesday, November 24 from noon – 6 pm.
Convito Café & Market
Plaza del Lago, 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette
Looking for an Italian-accented Thanksgiving? Get your tacchino and all the yummy fixings at this North Shore stalwart. Everything is a la carte, so just choose your own adventure, let them know how many guests you’re expecting, and order away! Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast, Parmesan-Rosemary Sweet Potato Wedges, Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Olive Oil, Lentil-Pancetta Soup and more await.
Price varies with selection. Place order ASAP to pick up on Wednesday, November 24. Call 847-251-3654 or order online.
Ema
74 W. Illinois St., Chicago
Chef CJ Jacobson has that lighter California-Mediterranean touch and brings it to the forefront with his take on the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy Pumpkin Hummus with House Bread, Greek Salad, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Cider-and-Sumac Brined Roast Turkey Breast, Marinated Beef Tenderloin Kebab, and luscious Honey Pie, all ready to heat and eat!
$59 per person, plus tax. Place order by 2 pm Monday, November 22 for pickup Wednesday, November 24 from 2:30 – 5:30 pm.
Entertaining Company
Restaurants aren’t your only option this Thanksgiving. How about a catering company? Bonus: They deliver. This menu for four (have 8 people? Order two!) includes Butternut Squash Soup, Arugula Citrus Salad, Freshly Baked Rolls with Whipped Pumpkin-Spice Butter, Fresh Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast, Cranberry-Orange Relish, Buttery Whipped Potato Purée, Traditional Bread Stuffing, Baked Mac & Cheese, Grilled Autumn Veggies, Pumpkin Pie Jars, and Autumn Berry Crumble.
$275 plus tax and $40 delivery for 4 people; may order multiples. Place order by Tuesday, November 16 for delivery on Wednesday, November 24.
Farmhouse Evanston
703 Church St., Evanston
Midwestern comfort food is the name of the game here, and what better way to think of the Thanksgiving feast? Especially when it’s so reasonably priced, and perfect for a small celebration. Each plate includes Sliced Turkey with Mushroom Gravy, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Confit Stuffing, Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts.
$25 per plate. Order by Tuesday, November 23 for pickup on Wednesday, November 24 or Thursday, November 25. Contact by email at info@entertainingcompany.com or call 312-829-2800.
Good Ambler
216 N. Peoria St., Chicago
If you’re looking for a fantastic dessert, look no further than pastry chef Kevin McCormick’s Thanksgiving offerings. His Caramelized Spiced Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie Tatin, Basque Cake with Cherries and Tahitian Vanilla Cream, French Silk Pie, and the eye-popping English classic dessert Banoffee Pie (peanut butter cookie crust topped with caramelized banana covered in caramel mousse with chocolate mousse and chocolate-covered peanuts, which sounds vaguely illegal if I’m being honest) are all straight-up winners.
$28 – $55 per pie, depending on size and variety. Place order by November 19 for pickup on Tuesday, November 23 and Wednesday, November 24 from 10 am – 3:30 pm.
Le Sud
2301 W. Roscoe St., Chicago
Executive Chef Michael Woodhall’s Mediterranean influences can be found in his Thanksgiving menu: Herb-and-Lemon-Brined Roasted Turkey with Caper Berry Gravy; Cranberry and Peach Mostarda; Yukon Potato, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Idiazabal Cheese Gratin; Duck Confit and Chestnut Stuffing; Brioche Dinner Rolls with Whipped Butter; and Pumpkin Donut Tiramisu with Pumpkin Mascarpone and Espresso Liqueur. Any bottle on their wine list is available at half-price for your turkey party.
$95 for 2, $190 for 4 people. Place order by Sunday, November 21 for pickup Wednesday, November 24 from 4 -9 pm.
Longman & Eagle
2657 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
There will most definitely be leftovers after this awe-inspiring spread which serves two according to the powers that be, but I’m thinking that kids will have plenty to eat as well. The dinner includes 2 pounds of Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast, a Roasted Turkey Drumstick, ½ pound Cranberry Sauce, 1 pound Country-Style Duck-Fat Stuffing, 1 pound Homestyle Turkey Gravy, 1 pound Traditional Green Bean Casserole, 2 pounds Hand-Whipped Mashed Potatoes, 1 ½ pounds Kale Salad, and two individual Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecakes. How hungry are you?
$140 for 2 people. Order ASAP for pickup on Wednesday, November 24 from 2 – 9 pm.
L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood
If you’re looking for a quick pick-up Thanksgiving meal in the Near-North suburbs, this might be just the ticket. L.Woods’ Thanksgiving Dinner for Two includes Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast and Gravy, House-Made Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, House-Made Stuffing, Green Beans Almondine, and the sweet finish of Apple Strudel. All Thanksgiving menu items are also available separately in catering sizes, like Candied Sweet Potatoes and Creamed Spinach, or grab a whole pie (Pumpkin, Key Lime, or Banana Cream) for $40.
$60 for 2 people; price varies for a la carte items. Place order by Friday, November 19 for pickup on Wednesday, November 24 from 9 am – 4 pm.
Noodle Bird at Fat Rice
2957 W Diversey Ave., Chicago
From James Beard Award-winning chef Abe Conlon comes this Asian-inspired Thanksgiving feast for six. You’ll get Lemongrass & Butternut Squash Soup, half a Harrison Farms Piri-Piri Roasted Turkey, Curried mac & Cheese Bake, Roasted Veggies, Palm Sugar Sweet Potatoes, Twice-Baked Potato Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Turkey Gravy, Lemon-Pineapple-Cranberry Chutney, Sweet Cardamom Rolls, French Onion Soup Stuffing, and 8 Pumpkin Egg Tarts. A vegan Turkey-Nut Butter Bird is also available, and you can order more items a la carte.
$275 for 6 people; price varies for a la carte items. Place order ASAP for pickup on Tuesday, November 23 or Wednesday, November 24 from noon – 5 pm.
Prairie Grass Café
601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook
Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris never disappoint with their locally and sustainably sourced cuisine, and they particularly shine at Thanksgiving, the meal of harvest and bounty. Their Thanksgiving dinner package for two starts with Butternut Squash Soup and Organic Mixed Green Salad with Pomegranate-Balsamic Dressing followed by the main event, Oven-Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Homemade Gravy, accompanied by Apple-Chestnut Stuffing, Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Mash with Homemade Marshmallow Topping, Sauteed Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, and your choice of Mom’s Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, or Double Chocolate Cake. They are also offering special Celebratory Wine Packages. An embarrassment of riches!
$140 for 2 people, can order multiples. A la carte order will vary by selection. Place order by Thursday, November 18 for pickup on Thursday, November 25, a la carte pickup from noon – 2 pm, Thanksgiving Dinner Packages pickup from 3 – 5 pm. Call 847-205-4433 to place your order.
Proxi
565 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Chef Andrew Zimmerman is always mixing it up at this globally inspired West Loop spot, and this year is no different. He’s offering an Indian-influenced take on Thanksgiving, and it sounds incredible. Tandoori-Style Turkey Breast, Braised Turkey Leg Biryani with Apricots and Pistachios, stir-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Coconut and Black Mustard Seed, Sweet Potato Purée with Jaggery Butter, Creamy Black Lentils, Riata, Cranberry Chuntney, Garam masala-Spiced Gravy, and Cashew and jaggery Pie with Cardamom. Wow!
$80 for two people; can order multiples. Place order through Tock by Saturday, November 20 for pickup on Wednesday, November 24.
RPM Seafood
317 N. Clark St., Chicago
Go a little rogue with Thanksgiving dinner from this highly esteemed luxury seafood spot in River North. Your to-go feast will include a Baby Kale Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese-Baked Focaccia and Marinated Olives, Slow-Roasted Slagel Farms Turkey Breast, RPM Seafood Lobster Rolls, Cornbread Dressing, Whipped Potatoes, Charcoal-Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Charred Carrots with Honey and Herb Yogurt, and Pumpkin Budino.
$175 for 2, $350 for 4 people. Place order by Sunday, November 21 for pickup on Wednesday, November 24 from noon – 8 pm.
Soul & Smoke
1601 Payne St, Evanston
Over at Better’s Best New Restaurant – Suburbs winner, the prolific Soul & Smoke (with outposts now in Evanston, Avondale, and the West Loop’s Time Out Market), chef D’Andre Carter, his wife, Heather Bublick, and their team are ready for the holiday onslaught. You’ve got choices here: Order in the full Thanksgiving Feast to go (Smoked or Herb Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens and Corn Muffins) for any size group, picking and choosing your favorites on their a la carte menu — they’re happy to help you figure out what sizes to order. Carter’s insanely good Smoked Brisket is a popular Hanukkah order, while Roasted Ham or Braised Duck Quarters might be your protein of choice for Christmas.
More from Better:
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- 13 of the Best New Restaurants in Chicago and the North Shore to Check Out This Fall
- The Best 2021 Food and Drink Advent Calendars
Julie Chernoff, Better’s dining editor since its inception in 2007, graduated from Yale University with a degree in English — which she speaks fluently — and added a professional chef’s degree from the California Culinary Academy. She has worked for Boz Scaggs, Rick Bayless, and Wolfgang Puck (not all at the same time); and counts Northlight Theatre and Les Dames d’Escoffier International as two of her favorite nonprofits. She currently serves on the national board of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, an advocacy group addressing hunger issues in the U.S. and Israel for the nearly 46 million people — veterans, children, seniors, tribal nations, and more — who go to bed hungry every night.
